Wanted: Weed Conscious Forage Producers
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Are you a forage producer who wants to help stop the spread of invasive species? Good news, you can take action and get recognized for it.
Learn how to participate in the Certified Weed Free Forage program and protect Alberta’s land and livestock.
Why It Matters
Invasive species threaten Alberta’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and economy, costing the province an estimated $1 billion per year. These aggressive plants outcompete native species, reduce habitat for wildlife and spread rapidly by hitching a ride in contaminated hay and forage.
Some weeds, like tall buttercup, can even become dangerous when baled into feed. Livestock may eat plants they would normally avoid in the wild, risking serious health issues.
The most cost-effective strategy for managing invasive weeds is to stop infestations before they can take root and forage producers have an important role to play in that effort.
What is the Certified Weed Free Forage Program?
Facilitated by the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC), the Certified Weed Free Forage Program helps prevent the spread of invasive species through hay and forage.
AISC is a non-profit, non-government organization that works to protect Alberta’s ecosystems and economy from the impacts of invasive species. Through education, coordination, and science-based practices, AISC supports landowners, municipalities, and industry in managing these threats.
Rocky View County is a proud participating municipality in this initiative. By supporting this program, the County helps local producers contribute to regional and provincial efforts to stop the spread of invasive weeds.
The program benefits producers by:
How to get Certified
- A Certified Weed Free Forage Inspector must inspect the field within 10 days of harvest. If the field isn’t cut in that timeframe, a new inspection is required.
- The inspector will walk through the field and identify all plant species present.
- Fields can be partially or fully certified depending on findings.
- A field may still qualify as weed free if invasive species are present but not in a reproductive state (no flowers, seeds, or roots).
- After certification, special identifying twine must be used on weed-free bales. Twine is available from the Rocky View County Agriculture Services office.
Want to Learn More or Book an Inspection?
Contact the Rocky View County Agriculture Services Department:
agservices@rockyview.ca
403-230-1401
Let’s work together to keep Alberta’s forage clean, safe, and market-ready while doing our part to stop the spread of invasive weeds.
Posted in:
Agriculture